by Lance | Aug 3, 2023 | Parties, Dallas, Blog
The Family Place’s 10th Anniversary Gala Raised $260K To Support Survivors Of Family Violence
By Cynthia Smoot Photography by Tamytha Cameron and Celeste Cass
THE SETTING: ReuNight co-chairs Brooke Hortenstine, Margaret Stafford and Piper Wyatt, with honorary chair Joyce Goss, welcomed more than 180 attendees to the recent 10th anniversary gala, ReuNight, benefiting The Family Place at the Dallas Petroleum Club.
The Ray of Light theme dazzled the partygoers were escorted to the 13th floor, transformed into a stylish lounge, for cocktails, where they posed for photos at the BuDhaGirl step and repeat before taking in the beautiful view of the Dallas Arts District. Guests enjoyed cocktails, including a Caipirinha specialty cocktail, and canapés, such as black pepper profiteroles with fois gras mousse, Reglis Ova caviar tarts with hearts of palm and chives, and tapioca fritters, as they mingled and enjoyed the cool vibe by DJ RomiQ. At 7:45, the Gospel of Light Choir entered the room singing Oh Happy Day to lead guests to the 14th floor for the seated dinner and live auction. The doors were opened to the Constellation Room, which featured stunning décor by Todd Events and inspired by the event theme, Ray of Light.
THE VIBE: Tables were dressed in midnight blue linens with floral centerpieces in white and various hues of purple, while black lacquered bars with gold accents sprinkled throughout the space–all under the room’s signature hand-painted ceiling. Guests took their seats and began the first course of the three-course dinner curated by James Beard Semifinalist Chef Junior Borges, which included cured scallops with bonito cream, pickled ginger and finger lime vinaigrette, and laminated brioche, accompanied by Chloe Pinot Grigio.
The ReuNight co-chairs then took the stage for brief remarks followed by The Family Place CEO Mimi Sterling and Board Chair Harold Ginsburg. Patrons began their duo-entrees of Rosewood Wagyu tenderloin and King Crab “Oscar” served with asparagus, ramps and shishito peppers, along with Imagery Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, followed by a yuca and coconut cake with lime ganache, vanilla diplomat and coconut sable, inspired by Chef Borges’ grandmother, served with Mumm Brut Prestige. It was now time for the much-anticipated live auction! The Gospel of Light Choir returned to enthuse the audience with a soulful rendition of We Are Family. Partygoers then bid generously on seven fabulous packages offered with the live auction.
Following that, an inspiring video highlighting The Family Place’s Supportive Living Program was shared, with the program director taking the stage after the viewing, asking donors to dig deeper and support necessary services like the Supportive Living Program A spirited paddle raise ended the program to secure the evening’s goal of $260,000 raised during the night of the event.
THE NON-PROFIT: Funds raised at ReuNight will allow The Family Place to continue empowering survivors of family violence by providing safe housing, counseling, and skills that create independence, while building community engagement and helping families progress from fear to safety.
by Lance | Jul 30, 2023 | Parties, Austin, Blog
ZACH Theatre’s Red, Hot & Soul Dazzles With Venetian Carnivale Theme
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Charles Quinn Photography
THE SCENE: Austin’s ZACH Scott Theatre was the setting for one of the Capital City’s most notable spring sociable events. The 300 guests who were fortunate enough to be a part of ZACH Theatre’s Red, Hot & Soul were treated to an unforgettable evening of fundraising which included a revamped format, dazzling performances, an inspiring theme, and fundraising that kept the fun going into throughout the evening.
THE VIBE: The black tie crowd knew they were in for a special evening before they entered the lobby of the Topfer Theatre on the ZACH campus for cocktails. Upon entering, guests were dazzled by a stunning display of masquerade art and floral design created by celebrity florist David Kurio, which made for the perfect, modern step and repeat, where many guests were spotted taking photos to commemorate the evening.
Once inside the lobby of the Topfer Theatre guests sipped on their favorite cocktails while mingling and admiring the Venetian-inspired masks of other patrons The cocktail hour happened against the backdrop of performance artists throughout the lobby that gave the space an extra layer of fun and excitement for the festivities ahead.
In a new twist for this year’s event, the action then moved to the Topfer Theatre stage for the main program. Many jaws dropped as the crowd took their seats on the main stage where they were greeted by aerialists above the stage for additional ambiance of a Venetian Carnivale.
KXAN anchor Jennifer Sanders served as emcee and effortlessly kept the evening going at a brisk, informative pace throughout. Highlights of the program included a delicious multi-course meal, touching tributes, entertaining performances from various members of the ZACH Theater company, and a spirited live auction where winners of packages were greeted with confetti poppers and champagne. The evening was capped off where the fun initially began in the lobby of the Topfer Theater for a lively after-party. Guests were seen dancing the night away, capping off a fabulous evening that those fortunate enough to be a part of will not soon forget.
THE NONPROFIT: The event, co-chaired by Donn Gauger and Maxx Judd, raised funds for ZACH Scott Theatre. Proceeds raised from the event went to fund ZACH Scott Theatre programs. Each year, the ZACH Scott Theatre serves over 125,000 Central Texans which includes over 55,000 children through an engaging mix of programs including camps, classes, performances as well as education and outreach programs
by Lance | Jul 23, 2023 | Parties, Austin, Blog
Elizabeth Ann Seton Board Hosts Kentucky Derby Themed 30th Anniversary Gala
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Ben Porter
THE SCENE: A beautiful night at Austin’s Camp Mabry was the recent setting for one of the Capital City’s most anticipated and well-attended Spring social events. Over 800 sociables, philanthropists, and VIPs came out for Elizabeth Ann Seton Board’s, 30th annual gala. This year’s theme, Off to the Races, featured great food, amazing company, sensational fashion, and dazzling performances which created a magical evening perfectly befitting of a milestone celebration.
THE VIBE: The Kentucky Derby themed event was on full display from the moment guests walked up to the Camp Mabry grounds for the gala al fresco. Revelers were spotted wearing their derby finest including intricate hats and bright spring colors which created a festive, welcoming environment for all who attended. After checking in, partygoers engaged in a lively cocktail hour, where patrons sipped spring cocktails including Mint Juleps, while others could be seen taking photos next to the giant trophy step and repeat installation to commemorate the evening.
The action then moved to the open-aired tent for the main program. While dining on a delectable meal the attendees were treated to words from the organization’s leaders and touching tribute videos showcasing how Ascension/Seton has positively impacted so many families in the Austin community. Next came a spirited live auction with top items including a week away in 30A for 15 guests and a 2024 Kentucky Derby VIP package and was followed by a fund-a-need raise where patrons generously opened their hearts and wallets to support the organization. The night was capped off with live music courtesy of SKYROCKET, which had the crowd dancing the evening away and ensured the fun continued well into the night.
THE NON-PROFIT: The event, co-chaired by Sheridan Butler Binford and Kyndall Johnson, raised over $1.35 million dollars for Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin. Funds raised from Off to the Races will support programs, building and equipment needs for the Marialice Shivers and Dell Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Kathryn Frances Walker Center for Neonatal Intensive Care and Family Support at Ascension Seton Medical Center in Austin.
by societytexas | Jul 13, 2023 | Parties, Austin, Blog
Ballet Austin’s Cinderella Themed Fête & fête*ish Dazzle
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by John Pesina
THE SCENE: The JW Marriott in Austin was the setting for a night of great fun and fundraising. During the evening, over 550 of the Capital City’s most notable philanthropists, sociables, and art patrons were on hand to celebrate Ballet Austin’s annual Fête & fête*ish. This year’s Cinderella theme, which celebrated the recent Mother’s Day production of the beloved fairytale, created a magical experience that those fortunate enough to each live their own happily ever after.
THE VIBE: The black-tie crowd felt the magic of the evening the moment they stepped off the escalator and entered the ballroom foyer of the venue. Upon arrival, guests were treated to champagne and the opportunity to pose for a photo in front of a step and repeat to commemorate the evening. Patrons then made their way further into the ballroom foyer for a lively cocktail hour where they were treated to jazz music in the background, courtesy of Parker Jazz Club, as well as the opportunity to spot “little mice” running in unison to add to the magical, storybook theme of the evening. These adorable characters were comprised by the youthful participants of Ballet Austin.
The action then moved to the main ballroom for the main program. As guests took to their seats and began eating their delectable multi-course meals, they were interrupted by a very special guest, Cinderella herself. During the program, Cinderella emcee Cassandra King effortlessly kept the audience engaged as partygoers were treated to words from organization leaders as well as emotional testimonials of how Ballet Austin has positively impacted the Central Texas community. Next came a spirited live auction with the top items including a trip to San Miguel, the opportunity to star as a Mother Ginger in this year’s annual Ballet Austin Nutcracker performances over the holidays, and a luxury kitchen remodel donated by Build 512.
Next came one of the most anticipated moments of the Austin social season. The moment where the ballroom doors to the 350 attendees of Ballet Austin Fête to reveal one an additional 200 patrons at the fête*ish after party that was already in full swing. From there, two audiences combined as one where revelers danced the night away until the clock stuck midnight to the tunes of DJ Cassandra.
THE NON PROFIT: The event raised over $500,000 for Ballet Austin, which is one of the 15 largest classical ballet companies in the United States. Funds raised from this year’s Fête & fête*ish will go towards Ballet Austin programs to fulfill their mission of providing exceptional arts education and artistic programming to Central Texans.
by Lance | Jul 7, 2023 | Parties, Austin, Blog
Manos de Cristo Celebrates 35 Years With Dazzling Share The Love Gala Honoring Dr. Tony Pacheco
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Marc Suarez
THE SCENE: Austin’s Fairmont Hotel was the recent setting for a night of fun and fundraising for a very worthy cause. Over 350 sociables, doctors, and community leaders turned out for Manos de Cristo’s annual gala. The evening featured a series of touching tributes and emotional testimonials, seamlessly blended in with dancing and fun, while creating a night that those fortunate enough to be a part of will not soon forget.
THE VIBE: The evening’s theme, Share The Love, was felt from the very second guests arrived in the foyer outside of the Fairmont ballroom for libations. Here, the cocktail-chic crowd cozied up to the bar to grab their favorite spirits and promptly went to mingle with other guests, all the while perusing an impressive lot of silent auction items as well as the opportunity to take photos at the festive photo booth to commemorate the evening. The action then moved into the ballroom for the main program. Emcees Yvonne Nava and Ron Olivera effortlessly kept the evening flowing at a brisk, fun pace. While guests dined on their multi-course meals that were perfectly paired with award-winning wines from Meierstone Vineyards, they were treated to heartwarming testimonials on how Manos de Cristo has positively impacted the Central Texas community.
Following the testimonials came a spirited live auction that featured top items such as “How do you spell green? Gruene or Verde” which included a stay for 20 guests at a waterfront home in Gruene and a five-night stay for six at a clifftop villa in Virgin Gorda. Next, Austin’s celebrity dentist Dr. Tony Pacheco was honored for his tireless work and donation of time and talent to the organization. The night was capped off with an after-party that featured a casino and live music by The Pictures, which kept the fun going well into the evening.
THE NON-PROFIT: The event, presented by Nicole and Ramzi Al-Rashid, raised over $445,000 for Manos de Cristo. Celebrating its 35th anniversary, the organization provides low-cost dental care and educational opportunities for children and adults. Funds raised from this year’s event will Manos de Cristo’s programs which benefit over 30,000 Central Texans annually.
by Lance | Jul 2, 2023 | Blog
By Rob Giardinelli Photography courtesy of Durango Boots
Durango Boots has been leading the way in boot design for decades. In fact, they are a much loved classic brand is more popular than ever when it comes to quality, approachable boots. When Durango Boots Marketing Manager Erin DeLong shared more of the Durango story and offerings recently, we were intrigued.
If you don’t have a pair of Durango boots, let some of our favorites seen here inspire you…
Ladies: 
Mens: 
